Takanashi and Iraschko-Stolz neck and neck

RusSki Gorki on Monday evening -

FIS

Sara Takanashi and Daniela Iraschko-Stolz also set the standards in the third and final official training of the ladies at the Olympic Games in Sochi.

The Japanese was ahead in two of the three training rounds, in one round her Austrian opponent had the best jump. "I can't really say if I like the hill or not", said Takanashi. "Today's jumps were my best so far. The transition is the most important thing and that determines the result. I really like jumping at night because there are lots of lights. Everything is sparkling." Iraschko-Stolz counts on her teammates of the Austrian Olympic team: "The village is not far away so I think some boys and girls will come and watch me tomorrow." Iraschko-Stolz also took a walk around the city. "I already got some souvenirs. I've also just been out in the Austrian village. "

Helena Smeby came in second in the first round, in the final round Carina Vogt had the second best jump. "My first jump was good, but not as good as I wanted. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. I just want to show a good performance." The top favorites also showed the longest jumps of the day with 101.5 m. Julia Kykkaenen showed a very consistent performance and was fourth, fifth and sixth.

Windmueller and Ito with good jumps

A day before the first ever Olympic competition in ladies' ski jumping, also Bigna Windmueller had some strong jumps. The Swiss was eighth twice and sixth. Also Yuki Ito was in the Top 10 in every round.

Insam postpones birthday party

Italian Evelyn Insam also proved to be one of the contenders for the medals on her 20th birthday. She was fifth, sixth and eleventh. "I will have a party tomorrow. The Olympics are a good reason to postpone the party. I want to enjoy this experience." Monday wasn't a good day for Irina Avvakumova, a 13th place was her best result. Coline Mattel was consistent in ninth and tenth, but she could not keep up with the best. This also applies to US American Jessica Jerome. Her teammate Sarah Hendrickson is already looking ahead: "After the Olympics I'm planning on taking the rest of the season off until my knee has recovered. It's not at 100 % yet and I need more strength."

Bad luck for German team

The German team is struggeling with health problems. While Ulrike Graessler was jumping in Sochi for the first time on Monday, the youngest team member Gianina Ernst now has fever. It is not sure yet, whether the 15-year-old will be able to compete on Tuesday.